_To Mr. H―――― H――――._
_London, Dec. 18, 1748._
I Can assure you, my not being able to write to you during my last
excursion, has given me much concern. I love to be punctual. Journeying,
preaching, and a train of business for the best of masters, has
prevented my being so now. I have been at _Gloucester_, in other parts
of _Gloucestershire_, and at _Bristol_, where I trust the sound of my
Redeemer’s feet was heard behind me. My brother I hope is coming on. I
like him better than I have for some years. He greatly regards you, and
intends answering your kind letters. I proposed his meeting you here.
What do you think of it? He likes it well. I wrote for him to come up
next week. I expect to know by _Wednesday_ or _Thursday_. If you could
be here on a LORD’s day, or a _Thursday_, you might see our assembly
at the other end of the town. I trust, abiding good will be done among
some at least of the rich and great. I thank you a thousand times for
your advice in respect to my health.――For near these two months past,
my usual reachings have left me. I find that keeping from too much
fatigue, under GOD, must be my cure. I will endeavour to keep within
bounds every way. I have shewed the doctor’s letter to Lady _H――――_,
but she is of opinion, the journals as now corrected ought to be
reprinted. In the multitude of councils there is safety; the language
of my heart is,
_LORD, teach me when I go astray,_
_And lead me in thy perfect way._
O that my zeal may increase with prudence. I have had too little of
both. I am now thirty-four years of age, and alas! how little have I
done and suffered for Him, who has done and suffered so much for me!
Thanks be to his great name, for countenancing my poor administrations
so much! I know not how it is, but perhaps it may be to display the
riches of free grace, that notwithstanding the first zeal of most,
I might add, all men of GOD, is generally mixed with much wildfire,
yet their first times have been generally blest most, especially
for awakening and converting souls. Blessed be our good GOD that
Mr. _H――――_ is coming out. May the LORD JESUS make him a spiritual
father to thousands! I smiled when you said, he would avoid the name
of _Methodist_, if he could. Alas, my dear man, he might as soon think
to wash a blackmoor white. The _Methodists_ are now as it were a skreen
for others. Formerly, if a person was serious, or preached CHRIST,
he was termed a _Puritan_, now he is a Methodist: But do you go on as
you are able to bear it. Opposition shall follow you; without it, be
as prudent as you will, your sincerity towards GOD and love for souls
cannot be evidenced. Self, love of praise, and love of the world, must
come down. Our LORD always does this, by way of sufferings inward or
outward, or rather by both. One Mr. _L――――_ of _Gloucestershire_, whom
Mr. _H――――_ knows, though he has begun to preach CHRIST but lately, yet
is already warned to leave his cure. Our LORD will provide for him. He
is a new creature indeed. I do not blame you for your conduct towards
Mrs. _D――――_. She is a good woman, and I believe thirsts for the
Redeemer’s glory. I wish she would not write so much. And what shall
I say more? I hope you have had enough from me now. My very dear Sir,
when am I to hear that you are a preacher of CHRIST crucified? I long
for the time, and earnestly pray that you may be freed from worldly
hopes and worldly fears: for till then, I cannot believe a man, let his
other accomplishments be ever so great, will be much owned and blessed
by the great head of the church. I should be glad to know what my Lord
of _Exeter_ said. I thank the LORD of all Lords for giving you so much
encouragement. Let this excite you to press forwards, and never fear
what man or devils say of, or can do unto you. Dear, very dear Sir, my
heart is enlarged towards you. I thank you, for remembering an unworthy
worm before him who is the great high-priest and blessed apostle of our
profession. As he enables, I shall return the favour, being, for his
great name’s sake, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately,
_G. W._